Raat Akeli Hai

XXII. revengeful dance

Day of The Party.

Playlist :

- main agar kahoon
- janam janam
- dil ibadat

•

vanraj :

I finally set my hair to perfection as I stood before the mirror. A black tuxedo over a black shirt. Almost clean shaven with a little stubble. I drew in a deep breath.

I had been seething with jealousy like there is no tomorrow.
But I decided to act like I was having no problem at all.
Ha ha, it's absolutely fine if Anu has another boss who is romantically interested in her.
With a forced fake smile, I drew in another deep breath.

I turned and stepped out of my room.
Sumedh was wearing a black suit too.
The theme was black and blue.
"I hope everything is fine.", I said as I stood beside him.
The hall was undoubtedly big enough to hold such a huge business party. Guests had started to arrive.
"Perfectly fine.", I said glancing at me.

I nodded.
Life of an Indian Dad was difficult because of the lack of communication skills with our kids.
There was a huge staircase leading up to the second floor, right in the centre of the hall.
I suddenly felt my heart skip a beat.

Someone started the music.

Tumko paaya hai toh jaise khoya hu..
Kehna chahu bhi toh tumse kya kahu..
Kisi zabaan mein bhi.. woh lafz hi nehi..
Mai agar kahoon.. tumsa haseen.. kayenat mein koi hai hi nehi..

Sumedh turned.
"Maa..", He whispered.
I turned immediately.

And froze.
Anupamaa wore a blue off shoulder dress, a gown.
There was some wind as the strands of her hair blew back. She looked down constantly as she walked down, conscious with the gown.

I was barely breathing.

Shokhiyon mein doobi yeh aadyaein
Chehre se jhalki huyi hai
Zulfon ki ghani ghani ghatayein
Shaan se dhalki huyi hai..

She glanced up, and our eyes met.
I had not known she could look this beautiful, this ethereal.

Bahon mein bhari hai jaise Chandni..
Roop ki chandni..

She walked down to us, as I stared at her, wordlessly.
I tried very hard to tear my eyes off her, but it seemed impossible.
She didn't wear any jewellery as such, except one pearl necklace, hair tied up behind her.

Mai agar kahoon.. Humsafar meri..
Apsara ho tum.. ya koi pari..

"Mai kaisi lag rahi hu?", She asked, looking unsure.

Mai agar kahoon.. tumsa haseen.. kayenat mai koi hai hi nehi..

"Beautiful, Maa.", Sumedh said softly.
But I stood staring at her, absolutely smitten.
How stupidly blind did I have to be to not notice her beauty all those years?
"Guests aa rahe hai.. mai chalta hu..", Sumedh said as he stepped away.
"Mister Shah.. umeed hai aaj aap taane nehi marenge.. mera bilkul bhi jhagadne ka Mann nehi hai..", She said.
But nothing registered in my mind.